Process for the preparation of methacrylamide from methylmethacrylate

摘要

This invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of methacrylamide by the reaction of methylmethacrylate with a molar excess of aqueous ammonium hydroxide at or near ambient temperatures to provide a high purity and yield of methacrylamide reaction product that is compatible in the preparation of isocyanate resins. Optional surfactants and alkoxide catalysts may be utilized to increase the rate of the reaction of methylmethacrylate with ammonia which may be further fostered by the addition of gaseous ammonia to the aqueous ammonium hydroxidemethylmethacrylate reaction mixture to yield methacrylamide according to the general equation: <IMAGE> +TR <IMAGE>